Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An image processing apparatus that processes an image captured by a camera having a lens, the image processing apparatus comprising a microcomputer configured to: detect a candidate region of the captured image, the candidate region serving as a candidate for a water drop region affected by a water drop on the lens of the camera, based on an edge strength of each pixel in the captured image; calculate an edge direction of each pixel in the candidate region; and determine, based on the edge directions, whether or not the candidate region is part of the water drop region, wherein the microcomputer determines that the candidate region is part of the water drop region when the edge direction of each pixel of a plurality of the pixels located a predetermined distance away from each other in the candidate region is directed to a common point.
The technology domain involves image processing systems for cameras, specifically addressing the problem of detecting water drops on a camera lens that distort captured images. The invention describes an apparatus that processes images to identify regions affected by water drops, which can degrade image quality by causing distortions or blurs. The apparatus includes a microcomputer that performs several key functions. First, it detects a candidate region in the captured image by analyzing the edge strength of each pixel, identifying areas that may be affected by a water drop on the lens. Next, it calculates the edge direction for each pixel within the candidate region. Finally, it determines whether the candidate region is part of a water drop region by checking if the edge directions of multiple pixels, spaced a predetermined distance apart, all point toward a common focal point. This directional consistency helps distinguish water drop distortions from other image features, as water drops typically cause edges to converge toward a central point. By identifying and confirming water drop regions, the apparatus enables corrective measures to be applied, such as image restoration or alerts to the user, thereby improving the overall quality of the captured images. The solution leverages edge analysis and directional consistency to accurately detect and classify water drop distortions in real-time.
2. A water drop removing system that removes a water drop from a lens of a camera that captures an image, the water drop removing system comprising: an image processing apparatus that processes the image; and a water drop removing apparatus that removes the water drop from the lens of the camera, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a microcomputer configured to: detect a candidate region of the captured image, the candidate region serving as a candidate for a water drop region affected by a water drop on the lens of the camera, based on an edge strength of each pixel in the captured image; calculate an edge direction of each pixel in the candidate region; and determine, based on the edge directions, whether or not the candidate region is part of the water drop region, and the water drop removing apparatus includes a removing part that removes the water drop from the lens of the camera, based on a signal output by the microcomputer of the image processing apparatus, wherein the microcomputer determines that the candidate region is part of the water drop region when the edge direction of each of the plurality of pixels located a predetermined distance away from each other in the candidate region is directed to a common point.
A water drop removing system for camera lenses addresses the problem of image degradation caused by water droplets obstructing the lens during image capture. The system comprises two main components: an image processing apparatus and a water drop removing apparatus. The image processing apparatus processes the captured image to identify and remove water drop obstructions. It uses a microcomputer to first detect candidate regions in the image that may be affected by water drops, based on the edge strength of each pixel. For each candidate region, the microcomputer calculates the edge direction of every pixel within it. The system then determines whether a candidate region is part of a water drop by analyzing the edge directions of multiple pixels spaced a predetermined distance apart. If the edge directions of these pixels all point toward a common focal point, the region is identified as a water drop. Once a water drop region is confirmed, the image processing apparatus sends a signal to the water drop removing apparatus. This apparatus includes a removing part that physically clears the water drop from the camera lens based on the signal received from the image processing apparatus. The system leverages edge direction analysis to accurately distinguish water drop distortions from other image features, enabling precise removal of obstructions and restoration of image clarity.
Unknown
April 28, 2020
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